All you need to know as teams return to training in preparation for the 2026/27 season
Players of Premier League clubs are beginning to return for pre-season training ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
What is pre-season?
Pre-season is the period before the start of the official Premier League campaign. It usually starts near the beginning of July, when players return from holiday following a period of rest.
Clubs and players use this time to get in shape for the new campaign. They do so via a number of methods including fitness tests and friendly matches against other teams.
Which teams have started pre-season?
AFC Bournemouth, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Liverpool and Manchester United are among those whose players have started to return to training. Everton’s pre-season began on 10 July, while numerous other clubs are due to return on 13 July.
Will World Cup players start pre-season late?
While many first-team players are reporting back to their clubs during the opening weeks of July, those involved in the latter stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are expected to be granted a well-earned rest before the new Premier League season commences on 21 August.
Players who reach the quarter-finals, semi-finals or final may not return to their clubs until early August.
When are the first pre-season friendlies?
The first pre-season friendly matches are scheduled to take place on Saturday 18 July, with Coventry, Everton, Man Utd, Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland all in action.
You can see ALL confirmed pre-season friendly matches below. Best of pre-season so far
Key dates before Premier League football returns
19 July – FIFA World Cup final12 August – UEFA Super Cup16 August – FA Community Shield20 August – UEFA Conference League playoff round21 August – Premier League season begins